Gen Set Info
The December 2014 “Readers’ Forum” column (page 16) mentioned that any generator with two legs of 120 volts AC could be connected to provide 240 volts AC output. Twenty years ago I went through this with Onan, and they said the generator absolutely was not designed to do that. Many do-it-yourself people need 240 volts AC output on their motorhomes. Why don’t manufacturers make a generator like that for a motorhome?
Ken Klingbeil, F125093
Castaic, California
The original comment said that any generator with two legs of 120 volts in opposite phase can provide 240-volt service. That statement is 100 percent true. The note also suggested that 240-volt applications be handled by an electrician.
Here’s how to test for 240 volts in opposite phase: With a voltmeter set on a higher voltage, place one lead on Leg 1 and the other lead on negative (or common or ground), and verify a reading of +/-120 volts on that leg. Do the same for Leg 2. Now place one lead on Leg 1 and the other lead on Leg 2. If they are in opposite phase, the voltmeter will read the sum of the two legs: +/-240 volts. If they are not in opposite phase, there will be an insignificant reading or no reading at all.
The product list I have from Onan clearly states voltage of 120 or 120/240, the latter being available on 10-kilowatt and 12.5-kilowatt diesel units. Other suppliers have various voltage configurations. The 120/240 units are more expensive to manufacture and typically are used on very high-end coaches that have some requirement for 240 volts, such as an electric range, a dryer, an electric grill, etc.
Editor’s note: We asked Onan to weigh in. Here’s the company’s response:
“Generators with two 120-volt legs in opposite phase can be configured to do 240 volts on RV gen sets; it’s difficult to do, however, and we don’t recommend it.
“We do offer RV generators capable of 240 volts: the 10-kw and 12.5-kw diesel generators mentioned above. In gasoline, we offer 240 volts, but only for commercial mobile applications.
“240 volts is provided from generators that are wired to support this. Our 10-kw and 12.5-kw generators supply 240-volt power across the two hot leads from the generator set. This is similar to how 240 volts is supplied to your house; from one leg to neutral you have 120 volts, but between the two hot leads you have 240 volts. The 240 volts supplied in this way is intended to be used like this for 240-volt loads. Our other RV generators supply 120 volts only, as the two output leads are in phase with each other. Cummins Onan does have other generators in other power nodes that can supply 240 volts, but they are marketed as ‘commercial mobile’ generator specs. These generators can be used in RV applications, though, if so desired.”
Cherokee Limited Towing
I am experiencing a problem with the steering of my 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited. When I encounter a rough or rutted road surface while towing, the Jeep’s front wheels violently shake. This has happened at speeds of 30 mph and 55 mph. To stop the shaking, I need to come to a complete stop. I have talked to a couple of dealers and have been told that the steering-column lock is not factory-installed on this model, and according to one dealership, it is not available as an add-on option, either. Any suggestions? The December 2014 issue of Family Motor Coaching (“Equinox, Lexus Steering Problem,” page 21) addressed such a problem and noted that a hitch immobilizer is available from Blue Ox. I am planning on trying that to see whether it will solve the issue.
Jerry Halberg, F406334
Merritt Island, Florida
Since your Jeep is a 2014, I usually would send you to a dealership, but it appears that you’ve already tried that route. I’m giving you the website of the 4 Wheel Parts store, www.4wheelparts.com; there are several stores in Florida, so one should be fairly close to you.
I don’t think your wobble problem is caused by your tow bar assembly. I believe it’s in the Jeep’s steering and/or suspension systems. First, make sure your tires are balanced. A major tire store can perform high-speed spin balancing. Then try towing the Jeep. If the wobble isn’t corrected, take it to the nearest 4 Wheel Parts store and have them check alignment and toe, and ask them to tighten every nut and bolt in the entire suspension system — especially in the front. One fix or the other should correct your wobble problem without having to change the tow bar system.
Toyota Towing
I recently purchased a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Initially I had no plans to use it for a towed vehicle; however, after owning it for a while, it seems it would make a great towed car. The owners manual simply states do not tow this vehicle. The vehicle has an automatic transmission and is a 4X4. What, if anything, can be done to make the car towable?
Doug Anderson, F333175
Tulare, California
If you visit the Remco Industries website (www.remcotowing.com) and enter the information you provided about the vehicle, the website indicates that the vehicle may be flat towable using a lube pump kit, depending on the transmission. To determine whether Remco has such a kit available for your vehicle, the company needs the vehicle’s transmission model number. The website explains where to find the number. Once you have the number, call Remco at (800) 228-2481.
Noisy Air Conditioners
Our motorhome has two 13,500-Btu ceiling-ducted Dometic rooftop air conditioners. With the air conditioners on, it is so noisy that we cannot hear the TV, especially in the bedroom. Do you know of a solution for this?
George Boulton, F429311
Tucson, Arizona
I suspect the air conditioners have been improperly installed. I suggest that you take your unit to a Dometic-approved service center and have the center contact Dometic tech service to get the problem fixed. The most common fault of installation is overtorqueing the mounting bolts. That can warp the base pan, causing fan noise and compressor vibration. This is fixable.